CNN Apologizes for Using Wrong Image in Dolly Parton Coverage

Recently, CNN issued an apology after mistakenly featuring a photo of a Dolly Parton impersonator during the coverage of Parton’s passing. Dolly Parton, a celebrated country music star, passed away on Tuesday at 80 years old due to cancer. Her death left a mark on fans globally, with millions honoring her legacy.

During Tuesday’s episode of “Laura Coates Live,” CNN correspondent Shimon Prokupecz was broadcasting live from Nashville. A montage of photos was shown onscreen, and among them was the image of Kelly Vohnn, a Parton tribute artist. Vohnn had attended a screening the previous year for “Song Sung Blue,” a film centered on the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder.

We regret the error and apologize to the Parton family, a CNN spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

Vohnn shared with the New York Post that her phone was inundated with messages after her image aired on CNN. She described the experience as “weird,” noting her disbelief and sympathetic feelings towards the mistake.

“I started getting all these texts in from friends saying that I was on CNN, and I couldn’t believe it,” Vohnn explained to the Post. “I felt so sorry and apologetic for Dolly … and CNN just picked something not appropriate.”

Joseph A. Wulfsohn, a media reporter for Fox News Digital, provided coverage and sought story tips through his contact avenues.